FIREFIGHTER Podge Thompson is back on home soil after conquering more than 200km of the Costa Rica jungle in aid of children’s charity CMRF – and also as a way to help improve his own mental health after experiencing loss in 2018.

On January 12, Podge started a six-day jungle challenge, which saw him contend with high altitude and humidity in a bid to raise awareness of and funds for CMRF (Children’s Medical and Research Foundation) Crumlin.

Podge Thompson in Costa Rica

Living in Clondalkin, Podge is well known for his fundraising feats, which has seen the dad-of-two run marathons blindfolded and carrying a 40kg child mannequin.

Alongside raising awareness of CMRF Crumlin, Podge also donned his runners as way of taking positive steps in supporting his own mental health.

Looking back over 2018, Podge said: “I’ve had a tough year, I didn’t get to run the 2018 marathon in Dublin as unfortunately only a few days after getting married I lost my dad tragically in a road traffic accident and then a few short months later my beloved mam passed away due to complications with her treatment for cancer.

“I’ve been lost and I’ve searched deep to find answers and to be strong for my young family.”

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